Overview The programme runs for four semesters: three theoretical semesters followed by a fourth semester dedicated to the Master’s thesis. Upon successful completion, graduates earn a Master of Arts. For the thesis, you may choose to work at the university or carry out your research project at a non-profit organisation, offering a clear pathway to apply academic learning in practice.
Curriculum and specialisations The core curriculum consists of nine modules that focus on strategic management topics relevant to non-profit organisations. In addition, the programme features two sets of special competencies (each comprising three modules) that explore the distinctive tasks and organisational forms found in the non-profit sector — with particular emphasis on Development Cooperation. There are also three modules aimed at building general, transferable competences.
Electives, language and practical orientation During the first semester you select an in-depth specialisation (Special Competence II), made up of three modules. The four options are Development Cooperation, Change Management, Human Resources Management, and Education Management and Planning in Municipalities. Development Cooperation is offered and taught in English; the other three specialisations are provided by the faculty and are taught in German. Teaching methods combine face-to-face lectures, seminars, project work and e-learning, and the programme places strong emphasis on balancing theoretical knowledge with practical skills and intercultural competence.
Requirements (key facts)
This master's curriculum is built over four semesters and combines core management training with sector-specific theory and applied practice for the non-profit context. In the first three semesters students take six modules each, covering leadership in intercultural contexts, project and quality management, organisational leadership, human resource and volunteer management, ethics, marketing and public relations, financial management, law, fundraising, research methods, and monitoring & evaluation. Across semesters there is a compulsory specialisation strand (Specialisation 1) that explores theories of the third sector, the spheres of activity of non-profit organisations, and interdisciplinary practice labs focused on social innovation and advocacy. The programme includes practical project options (including an international project) and finishes with a fourth-semester master's thesis.
The curriculum emphasises both theoretical foundations and hands-on skills: students learn to lead and reflect across cultures, design and manage projects and quality systems, govern and finance non-profit activity ethically, recruit and coordinate staff and volunteers, craft communications and fundraising strategies, navigate legal and regulatory frameworks, and measure social impact. Specialisation 2 allows deeper study in one of several tracks (one offered in English, others in German), enabling concentration in development cooperation, change management, human resource management, or municipal education planning.
Development Cooperation (taught in English)
Change Management (taught in German)
Personalmanagement / Human Resource Management (taught in German)
Bildungsmanagement und -planung in der Kommune (taught in German)
If you need a succinct map of which modules are compulsory versus elective for a given semester or guidance on which specialisation might best match your career goals, I can prepare that next.
You must hold a completed first university degree (from a university or a university of applied sciences) in a relevant subject area and be able to demonstrate the required language skills. The admissions committee reviews each application and decides whether your prior degree is considered appropriate for this programme.
Language proficiency is mandatory; the specific language(s) and minimum proof required are listed on the programme’s admissions page. Make sure to consult the official programme information for the accepted certificates and exact level expectations before applying.
Winter Semester (International)
1 April 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for leadership and management roles within non-profit organisations, development agencies, foundations, NGOs and public-sector units involved in education or municipal planning. The programme equips students with strategic management skills, fundraising and financial know-how, monitoring & evaluation competence, and the ability to design and manage projects in intercultural settings.
The interdisciplinary and practice-oriented curriculum—combined with opportunities for international projects and thesis work with non-profit partners—also supports careers in consulting, policy analysis, programme management, and roles in international cooperation and advocacy.
HWR Berlin (Berlin School of Economics and Law) — Berlin
Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts — Dortmund
Furtwangen University — Villingen-Schwenningen
Harz University of Applied Sciences — Wernigerode